A government secondary school in Katakwi District, Priscilla Comprehensive School, has faced the need to seek a bank loan from Centenary Bank after invited leaders, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among, and First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Jennet Kataha Museveni, as well as Prime Minister Robina Nabanja and Teso MPs, among others, failed to attend a fundraising event.
The mixed day and boarding school had hoped to raise funds for the construction of a girls’ dormitory. However, the event saw no participation from the invited dignitaries, resulting in over 12 bulls, goats, turkeys, chickens, groundnuts, pumpkins, and other items going unsold.
Emanuel Icila, the deputy headteacher, expressed disappointment, stating that their “Plan B” now involves seeking a bank loan to ensure the completion of the structure next year, which is estimated to cost three hundred million shillings.
Icila revealed that they managed to raise only 7 million shillings during the event, but nearly half of that amount was spent on organizing the function.
Deputy Headteacher Icila (English/Ateso):
“Our next plan ‘B’ is running for a bank loan so that it will help the structure get complete next year by all means.”
Hon. Icila the-Joy, the District Councillor for elderly persons in Katakwi, expressed disappointment at the absence of leaders, emphasizing the need for them to contribute even if they couldn’t attend in person.
Hon. Icila (English/Ateso):
“They always want to dictate their being chief guests in all functions, and when we give them [the opportunity], they fail to attend and contribute. They would have even sent their representatives with money if they were busy.”
Koluo Razak, the chairperson of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), thanked the few leaders who did participate and encouraged the public to trust the school in all endeavors.
Koluo Razak (English/Ateso):
“We thank the few leaders who participated in the event and urge the public to always trust the school in all avenues.”
In related developments, Peter Ogwang, the State Minister for Education and Sports, pledged to lobby for the construction of an ICT laboratory. He also thanked a team from the Teso Affairs Ministry for evaluating the building and recommending 380 iron sheets for roofing. Richard Opio Edeket, the NRM chairperson for Katakwi District, represented Ogwang and contributed five million shillings (5M) toward the construction of the girls’ dormitory.
Richard Opio Edeket (English/Ateso):
“I bring you greetings from the State Minister for Education and Sports, Peter Ogwang, who has pledged to lobby for the construction of the ICT laboratory. He appreciates the team from the Teso Affairs Ministry, which evaluated the building and recommended 380 iron sheets for roofing. Additionally, he has contributed five million shillings towards the construction of the girls’ dormitory.”
